GEORGE DOWSE FROM PETERLEE JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN BROAD DAYLIGHT

In a disturbing incident that took place in broad daylight in Peterlee, a 29-year-old man named George Dowse has been convicted and sentenced to prison for sexually assaulting a teenage girl. The assault occurred when Dowse approached the young victim, and the details of the incident reveal a troubling breach of personal safety and public decency.

According to court records and the victim’s statement, Dowse forcibly made the girl put her hand down his trousers and attempted to kiss her. The assault happened in a public area, highlighting the brazen nature of the offense. The victim, who was understandably traumatized by the event, expressed her ongoing discomfort and fear of being alone in public, stating that she constantly looks over her shoulder, a testament to the lasting impact of the assault.

Following a trial at Teesside Crown Court in August, Dowse was found guilty of one count of sexual assault. The court proceedings revealed that Dowse, who resides on Sledmere Close in Peterlee, had approached the girl while she was running an errand to the bank for her father. The incident was reported to have taken place on September 18, 2012, when Dowse allegedly cycled up to the teenager, grabbed her hand, and forcibly thrust it down his trousers, attempting to kiss her in the process.

During the trial, Dowse denied the charges of sexual assault. However, the jury took more than five hours to reach a guilty verdict, after being guided by Judge Howard Crowson, who had previously given a majority direction. The court also acquitted Dowse of a second charge of attempted sexual assault involving the same victim, which related to an incident on October 6, 2012.

In sentencing, Judge Crowson emphasized the seriousness of the offense, stating that a prison sentence was appropriate for this type of offending. Dowse was sentenced to a year in prison, with the judge explicitly stating that he could not suspend the sentence, in part to serve as a deterrent and to encourage other victims to come forward. Additionally, Dowse was issued a restraining order to prevent any contact with the victim and was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next ten years.

During the trial, Dowse’s partner, who provided evidence in his defense, was visibly distressed and sobbed at the verdict. She was comforted by family and friends who were present in the courtroom gallery. Dowse is scheduled to be sentenced further on September 18, after a pre-sentence report was requested by his legal counsel. Until then, he has been granted bail, allowing him to await his sentencing in the coming weeks.